Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size sedan
Target Audience:
Families, commuters seeking comfort and reliability
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima
Platform Basis:
Built on GM's Epsilon II platform, shared with models like the Opel Insignia
Design Philosophy:
European-influenced styling and driving dynamics
Powertrain Options:
Offered with V6 and 4-cylinder engines, focusing on balance of power and efficiency
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust, fuel system, cooling system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, stability control), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), instrument cluster, lighting (interior/exterior), audio system, power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), HVAC controls, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Frame:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, doors, bumpers, underbody, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly/assembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter/alternator replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
DTC retrieval and interpretation, circuit testing, component testing, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, diagnostic data, component clearances, alignment specifications
Engine Management:
Engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, emissions system troubleshooting.
Brake System Repair:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, ABS module diagnosis and replacement, brake fluid flush procedures.
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, complete component removal and installation, wiring diagrams, exploded views, component identification
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical circuit diagrams for all major systems, including powertrain, chassis, body, and comfort controls.
Engine Displacement 1:
2.4L Ecotec Inline-4
Horsepower 1:
169 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 1:
160 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine Displacement 2:
3.5L High Feature V6
Horsepower 2:
217 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque 2:
217 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Engine Displacement 3:
3.6L Direct Injection V6 (post-2009)
Engine Code 3:
LY7 (until 2009), LLT (from 2009)
Horsepower 3:
252 hp @ 6300 rpm (LY7), 304 hp @ 6400 rpm (LLT)
Torque 3:
251 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (LY7), 274 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (LLT)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Compression Ratio 1:
10.4:1 (LE5)
Compression Ratio 2:
9.8:1 (LZ4)
Compression Ratio 3:
11.3:1 (LLT)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
★★★★★ (5/5)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
★★★★★ (5/5)
NHTSA Side Driver:
★★★★☆ (4/5)
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
★★★★☆ (4/5)
IIHS Front Small Overlap:
Acceptable (2008-2012 models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (2008-2012 models)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard (StabiliTrak)
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Disc, Rear: Disc (with ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Available touch-screen infotainment systems with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity (OnStar integrated)
Audio Options:
Bose premium audio system available
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear parking assist sensors available
Connectivity Features:
OnStar communications system with turn-by-turn navigation and hands-free calling
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or 3 years
Spark Plug Replacement 4Cyl:
Every 100,000 miles (NGK iridium plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 100,000 miles (Delphi iridium plugs)
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
5.0 US quarts (4.7 liters) with filter (2.4L LE5)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter (3.5L LZ4)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SN or newer)
Coolant Type:
GM DEX-COOL (Orange coolant, long-life)
Common Problems Powertrain:
Transmission hesitation/slipping (6T40/45), oil consumption in 2.4L engine, timing chain issues in LLT V6
Common Problems Chassis:
Front strut mount bearing noise, rear suspension clunking, power steering fluid leaks
Common Problems Electrical:
Power window motor failure, HVAC blower motor issues, instrument cluster pixel loss
Brand History:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing American-market vehicles dating back to 1911.
Malibu Lineage:
The Malibu nameplate has been used on various Chevrolet models since 1964, evolving from a muscle car to a family sedan.
Production Period:
2008-2012 (8th Generation)
Manufacturing Plants:
Fairfax, Kansas; Oshawa, Ontario
